Leading Edge was commissioned by a UK Government Department focused on the environmental and energy sectors to support a trade initiative aimed at helping UK-based water and wastewater companies understand and access opportunities in the Turkish market.
Objectives: Supporting UK Exporters in the Environmental Sector
The project’s goals were to:
- Map the current state of Turkey’s water and wastewater technology market.
- Identify opportunities for UK suppliers of technology and services.
- Understand operational realities and barriers for UK firms already active in the region.
- Develop a practical guide to support export planning and strategic engagement.
Methodology: Combining Desk Research with First-Hand Market Insight
To deliver this, Leading Edge undertook a two-phase approach:
- Desk Research:
We reviewed up-to-date market reports, industry papers, and public domain data to:- Understand Turkish water sector policy and investment trends.
- Identify local and international players active in the market.
- Assess infrastructure needs and upcoming development programmes.
- Fieldwork & Interviews:
To ground the research in real-world experience, we conducted interviews with UK companies already operating in or exploring the Turkish market. These discussions revealed:- Effective market entry strategies.
- Operational and regulatory challenges.
- Insights on local partnerships, procurement, and decision-making.
Deliverable: Publication of an Indexed Export Resource Guide
The final output was a comprehensive, indexed market guide to Turkey’s water and wastewater sector. This resource included:
- Detailed one-page company profiles of UK firms active in Turkey, highlighting their technologies, approaches, and experiences.
- A series of short case studies demonstrating successful interventions and lessons learned.
- An overview of market drivers, policy context, and key sector stakeholders.
The guide was designed to support companies at various stages of export readiness — from early exploration to active engagement — and served as a practical tool for government and trade support agencies.
Impact: Enabling Strategic Export Decisions
The guide enabled UK environmental technology and service providers to:
- Gain a realistic understanding of opportunities and challenges in Turkey.
- Learn from peers already operating in the market.
- Make informed decisions about investment, partnerships, and business development strategies.
For the commissioning government body, the project provided a clear and targeted tool to support its wider export promotion and international trade objectives.
Why It Matters for UK Exporters in Water & Environmental Tech
Emerging markets present valuable growth opportunities — but also complex challenges. This case study highlights the importance of combining data-driven insight with real-world experiences to help companies navigate unfamiliar markets with confidence.
